Light exercise for just 10 minutes can ward off dementia, according to scientists.
A stroll to the newsagent or a short session of yoga or tai chi can help stave off the disease.
The ancient mind-body practice involves very light work-outs that can be done indoors.
A study found it improved function in parts of the brain responsible for forming and storing memories.
A 10-minute bout produced considerable cognitive benefits – suggesting exercise could be “prescribed” to older people to combat Alzheimer’s disease.
Using high-resolution MRI scans, the international team examined participants’ brains shortly after exercise sessions.
They found better connectivity between the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the cortex – which is linked to detailed memory processing.
Previous studies have shown exercise helps prevent mental decline in old age.
But this research indicated an immediate effect, by promoting the generation of new neurons.
Prof Michael Yassa, of California University, in Irvine, said: “What we observed is these 10-minute periods of exercise showed results immediately afterward. Even short walking breaks through the day may have considerable effects on improving memory and cognition.”
Earlier this year, a study suggested daily aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling, is the best way to stave off Alzheimer’s.
The NHS estimates there are 850,000 people in the UK with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia – a figure which is set to rise to two million by 2050.